Environmental and Spatial Design (MA)

This course is for creative thinkers who are passionate about using design to address real-world challenges, and we encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds.

To apply for MA Environmental and Spatial Design, you’ll need a 2:2 degree in a relevant subject, such as:

• graphic design
• fine art
• architecture
• product design

This is not an exhaustive list of subjects, and we assess all applications on an individual basis. Prospective applicants can email our admissions team through admissions@southampton.ac.uk to discuss the suitability of their previous degree.

Your design portfolio

As part of your application, you'll need to submit a portfolio or video demonstrating your engagement with environmental and spatial design. You can find out more information about what your portfolio or video should include in the 'How to apply' section of this page.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.

If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet direct entry requirements, you can apply to complete a Pre-Master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus.

You'll progress to your chosen course after successfully completing the programme. Find out more about Pre-Master's programmes for international students.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

On our MA Environmental and Spatial Design course, you'll develop your practice through studio-led projects, research and external briefs.

You’ll explore spatial storytelling, ecological and policy contexts, and research methods. You'll also use site observation, mapping, modelling and prototyping to investigate design ideas.

Once you've developed your research and design skills, you'll apply them to external and studio projects. This includes working in real-world contexts and developing responses through experimentation, prototyping and critical reflection.

Finally, you'll complete an independent final project that allows you to develop and communicate your own spatial design ideas.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

The distinctive learning experience we offer at WSA reflects professional spatial design practice – blending conceptual thinking, technical skill, and collaborative project work. 

Research-led and embedded in active staff research, our studio teaching fosters a culture of peer learning, inclusivity and collaboration which will enable you to take intellectual and creative risks in a supportive environment.

Projects are often situated in live contexts – using Winchester, its surroundings and other urban settings as laboratories for exploring spatial equity, regeneration and the dynamics of place. On these projects, you'll work with students from other disciplines and external partners such as local authorities, cultural organisations or community groups.

You'll also learn through a blend of:

• lectures and keynote talks on key theories, debates and case studies
• practical and technical skills workshops
• seminars and discussions to encourage critical and creative thinking
• regular one-to-one or small group tutorials and critiques
• independent research and practice

During the course, you'll have opportunities to build your portfolio, collaborate on projects, and engage directly with professional networks through WSA Exchange, the school’s enterprise and external engagement unit. 

You'll also benefit from WSA's Talent Exchange portal, which connects graduating students with employers nationally and internationally.

Assessment

You'll be assessed through a combination of formative and summative assessment methods that allow you to develop and demonstrate your creative, analytical and professional skills.

Formative assessment is not graded and provides ongoing feedback through verbal and written comments, peer review and self-evaluation. This helps you reflect critically on your work and develop your ideas before final submission.

Summative assessment is graded and allows you to demonstrate that you've met the learning outcomes for your modules and the course.

Your assessments may include:

• design research and development, including research reports, site analysis, mapping studies and design briefs
• portfolios of spatial projects, including drawings, renders, models, digital prototypes and documentation of your process
• reflective journals and blogs
• individual and group presentations, including professional critiques and peer review
• spatial prototypes and material explorations, using digital and analogue fabrication methods
• information visualisations and mapping outputs
• written and visual essays or publications
• documentation of live projects with external partners
• your final major project, supported by a written critical reflection
• a professional conversation accompanying your final major project

Through these assessments, you'll demonstrate your ability to research, conceptualise, develop and present spatial projects to a professional standard, while considering their ethical, social and environmental implications.

Academic Support

We take a flexible and inclusive approach to learning and teaching through varied formats, accessible resources and multiple submission modes, and we can provide reasonable adjustments where required.

You'll be assigned a personal academic tutor, who will offer one-to-one advice throughout your time at Southampton. They will also support you in your studies or with any other issues you have.

You'll also have access to The Student Hub, your main point of contact for support at Southampton. The Student Hub offers 24/7 wellbeing support, as well as help with disability, fees, finance, accommodation and course administration.

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £17,000.
• EU and international students pay £32,000.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. 

If you study part-time, you may not be eligible for this loan. Find out if you're eligible.

Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship

There are 40 scholarships available to international students applying to study an undergraduate or postgraduate master's degree in an arts or humanities subject. Successful applicants will get £10,000 towards their tuition fees.

Find out more about the Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship, including eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.

Winchester School of Art Inclusive Futures Scholarship

This scholarship supports talented students who face financial, social, or structural barriers to postgraduate study, helping ease financial pressure so they can focus on their creative work and bring diverse perspectives to our community.

Successful applicants will have 50% of their tuition fees paid for the duration of their course.

Learn more about the Winchester School of Art Inclusive Futures Scholarship and how to apply.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal.
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

UK students

Information about the application deadline for 2027 entry will be available shortly.

International students

Information about the application deadline for 2027 entry will be available shortly.

Application assessment fee

There is no application assessment fee for postgraduate courses starting in 2026.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course, and a portfolio or video demonstrating your engagement with environmental and spatial design.

Personal statement

Your personal statement should include information about:

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

Portfolio

Your portfolio or video should demonstrate:

• an imaginative and exploratory approach to addressing challenges
• how you develop, test and communicate ideas
• a range of creative and practical skills, such as drawing, visual communication, making, digital processes, experimentation, or working with materials and media
• an interest in people, places, experiences, systems, or environments, demonstrated through projects, research, creative practice, or real-world applications

Other supporting information

You'll also need to submit two academic references.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Inclusion and Respectful Behaviour Policy.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000